Rice Marketing in Indonesia: Methodology and Results of A Research Study

Abstract

This paper summarises the methodology, results and lessons of a research program undertaken between 1989 and 1991 on the private rice marketing system in Indonesia. A method of linked interviews, starting from farmers, gave results in the two main areas of seasonal volume flows and competition in rice marketing channels. Sample survey results were used to interpret seasonality in the aggregate rice market It is concluded that price stabilisation remains a valid policy objective in Indonesia, but that targeted interventions could substantially reduce the cost of achieving this goal.

* This paper is based on a research report written in connection with a technical assistance project between the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), UK, and Badan Urusan Logistik (Bulog), Indonesia (Ellis, Magrath and Trotter, 1991). Particular thanks are due to Priscilla Magrath for her coordination of fieldwork activities, as well as to the many Indonesian colleagues who participated. I am also grateful to Ben White for written comments on a draft of this paper. The interpretations contained in the paper are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the organisations which sponsored the research.

Notes

* This paper is based on a research report written in connection with a technical assistance project between the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), UK, and Badan Urusan Logistik (Bulog), Indonesia (Ellis, Magrath and Trotter, 1991). Particular thanks are due to Priscilla Magrath for her coordination of fieldwork activities, as well as to the many Indonesian colleagues who participated. I am also grateful to Ben White for written comments on a draft of this paper. The interpretations contained in the paper are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the organisations which sponsored the research.